Credits

• Writer: Ed Brubaker
• Artist: John Paul Leon
• Colorist: Frank D'Armata
• Letterer: VC's Randy Gentile
• Assistant Editors: Schmidt, Moore and Lazar
• Editor: Tom Brevoort

Quick Summary

This issue follows the life and tragic death of Jack Monroe - the third Bucky. The version of the SSF in his bloodstream is degrading, due to his "interesting" life, and he doesn't have long to live. This issue follows him as he prepares himself for his imminent demise, and his execution at the hands of the Winter Soldier.

Commentary

While putting paid to Jack Monroe, this issue was a beautiful tribute to the character, as handled by many people over the years (although not truly defined until the redoubtable Fabien Nicieza).

• The most chilling part of this issue is showing scenes through Jack's eyes, and also how they really appear; part of his symptomology included hallucinations.
• The Baby Bucky has been adopted by a couple in Pittsburgh, and her name is now Julia Winter. Any relation? A clue perhaps, that the Winter Soldier might have some over-riding connection to Jack?
• One wonders as to whether or not Brubaker would be spending a whole issue on Jack Monroe if the only role he was to play in the Winter Soldier saga was as a corpse; there has to be more to it, just as there has to be more to Winter Soldier than a re-animated Bucky.
• How much of Jack's illness might be side-effects of something done to him with the Cosmic Cube (like the Bucky hallucinations)?